Overview

This seminar will examine the historical development of the presidency since Franklin Delano Roosevelt transformed the executive office. With Roosevelt and the New Deal, the president, rather than Congress or political parties, became the principal agent of American democracy. Lectures, readings, discussions, and other activities will highlight the leading ingredients of the modern presidency: the expansion of executive power, the personalization of the presidency, the transformation of party politics, and theories about a unitary executive. Along the way, the seminar also will address topics such as presidential appointments, presidential rhetoric, presidential roles in domestic and foreign policymaking, and the symbolism of the modern presidency.

Readings

Readings are sent by the Institute to seminar participants. Readings may include:

Skowronek, Stephen. Presidential Leadership in Political Time, 2nd ed. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2011).

Travel & Accommodations

The University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Two major highways, Interstate 64 and US 29, intersect close to the university grounds. There are several options for traveling to and from Charlottesville.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is located approximately eight miles from the university. Airport shuttles are available. A Goff Limousine provides shuttle service from the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport to the University of Virginia and the surrounding areas.

The Charlottesville Amtrak station is located at 810 West Main Street, approximately two miles from the university.

A Greyhound Bus Terminal is also located in Charlottesville at 310 West Main Street, approximately 2.15 miles from the university and close to the Historic Downtown Mall.

Workshop participants will be housed in an on-campus dormitory, Brown College. Participants will have single bedrooms, but share bathrooms and common space. Dormitories are air conditioned. Internet service is provided, but participants should bring an ethernet cable. Participants should plan to bring laptops as computer access on campus will be limited.

The university provides pillows, blankets, sheets, and towels only. Please note that participants should plan to bring alarm clocks, hangers, irons, hair dryers, and shower shoes. There are a few communal kitchenettes located in the building but participants should bring their own utensils. Housekeeping services are provided throughout the week.

Meals

Meals will be served in a university cafeteria in space shared by other programs. All on-campus meals will be paid for by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Travel Reimbursement

Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the seminar. Each seminar participant will receive reimbursement of travel expenses up to $400. Please read our complete travel reimbursement policy before applying.

Graduate credit

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is proud to announce its agreement with Adams State University to offer three hours of graduate credit in American history to participating seminar teachers. For more information please click here.